YMCA Feeding Program
YMCA FOOD FOR ALL FEEDING PROGRAM
THE YMCA FEEDS ALL
In an effort to fill the gap of food insecurities for children, The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA has launched its own feeding program for the children in the Y’s Afterschool and Outreach Sites. This is where we have seen the greatest need in our community. Some of these children do not know where their next meal is coming from, and many in many cases will not be fed a healthy meal unless they are in school. The YMCA's focus is finding ways to strengthen the community and seeing how the YMCA can provide services and resources to meet the needs and gaps of the community. The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Services Program (SFSP), USDA programs that support our Food Services department through reimbursements and nutrition guidelines.
OUR IMPACT
8,180 children across Sullivan and Hawkins Counties are considered food insecure. With the changes in the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reported that 1 in 4 children are considered to have a food insecurity and according to the ‘Map the Meal Gap’ 2019 Study, the regional child food insecurity rate is 21.0 percent compared to 13. 6 percent for the overall population of Northeast Tennessee. Within Sullivan County, around 19,000 people are considered food insecure or around 12.4 percent of the population. 20% of children in the Northeast Tennessee region suffer from hunger insecurities.
In addition to USDA funding, The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA has received funding from Y-USA food program grants, and has also received funding from East Tennessee Foundation to complete the kitchen and food prep areas and the Holston Medical Group (HMG) to provide supplies and meals for the children to support the feeding program.
The feeding program serves children a 5 component meal daily, following the USDA’s regulations for nutrition. The children receive these meals Monday-Friday during the entire school year. Currently, we are serving 33 locations, providing meals for more than 1500 children each day.
AFTERSCHOOL MEALS
Through our participation in the CACFP and SFSP, we are able to provide a nutritious, 5-component meal (Milk, Meat/Meat Alternative, Vegetable, Fruit, and Whole Grain) at all of Afterschool and Summer Camp sites. Our YMCA Afterschool Program follows Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards by offering a healthy foods and plenty of indoor and outdoor playtime. We also provide homework help and enrichment activities, including nutrition education.
OUTREACH SITES
The Greater Kingsport Family YMCA Feeding Program helps bridge the gap for children and families in lower-income neighborhoods by providing reliable access to nutritious meals and snacks in safe, familiar community settings. Through trusted partnerships and outreach efforts, the program serves youth who may face food insecurity when school is not in session, helping ensure they stay fueled, focused, and supported. More than a meal, the program delivers care, consistency, and a stronger sense of community. Carter’s Valley Elementary Bulls Gap/St. Clair Hawkins Elementary Joseph Rogers Mooresburg Elementary Mt. Carmel Elementary Jefferson Elementary Robinson Middle Jackson Elementary Sevier Middle Kennedy Elementary Roosevelt Elementary Lincoln Elementary Holston Elementary Rock Springs Elementary Miller Perry Elementary Central Heights Middle Ketron Elementary Sullivan Gardens Elementary Holston Elementary LIST OF AFTERSCHOOL SITES
OUTREACH SITES
2025- 2026 School Year Scheduled Feeding Times: Monday-Friday
Magnolia Point 3:45p - 4:20p
Reedy Point 5:15p - 5:45p
Miller Village 4:30p - 5:00
Stonecrest 3:20p - 4:00p
Hillside 4:20p - 5:00p
Keystone 3:00p - 3:45p
Dunbar 2:30p - 3:30p
Summer Food Services Program (SFSP) Non-Congregate Meal Sites
GET INVOLVED OR MAKE A DONATION
Supporting the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA Feeding Program through donations or volunteering is a direct way to make a lasting difference in the lives of local children and families. Every gift helps provide nutritious meals, caring staff, and dependable support for youth in neighborhoods where resources may be limited. Every volunteer hour creates welcoming moments of encouragement and connection. When you give your time or resources, you help nourish more than hunger—you help build hope, stability, and a stronger community for everyone.
MEET THE SENIOR DIRECTOR 
Sarah Anne Walker, Senior Director of Camp and Feeding at GKFY,plays a key leadership role in addressing childhood hunger across Northeast Tennessee. Through her work, she helps oversee a feeding program that provides nutritious, USDA compliant meals to hundreds of children each day in afterschool sites and underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that many youth receive consistent, healthy food they might otherwise go without. Her experience reflects a deep commitment to community impact. Sarah Anne has a BS in Marketing from Milligan University and has served as camp director at the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA for 28 + years.
Supported through the generosity & partnership with the Holston Medical Group
